Politics

Damning auditor report into former CEC leader Michael Jones

Damning auditor report into former CEC leader Michael Jones

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
An auditor’s report into the culture of Cheshire East Council under the leadership of Michael Jones has revealed incidents of bullying and inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Jones, the council’s leader from 2012 until 2015, stepped down following controversy surrounding the awarding of contracts to Nantwich-based Core Fit – which was owned by his physiotherapist.

January 19, 2023
Councillor’s warning that Cheshire East Council could “go bust”

Councillor’s warning that Cheshire East Council could “go bust”

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council has to make savings and cuts otherwise it will go bust and the government will be called in to run the council, a councillor warned.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith (Ind) was speaking during the debate on the budget at this week’s meeting of the economy and growth committee.

January 19, 2023
Local Labour and Crewe & Nantwich MP row over £41,000 donations

Local Labour and Crewe & Nantwich MP row over £41,000 donations

Local Labour politicians have criticised Crewe and Nantwich Conservative MP Kieran Mullan for receiving £41,000 in donations in three years.

They claim it shows wealthy donors have “far more influence and access to decision makers” than his constituents.

January 18, 2023
Nantwich councillors thumbs up to solar panel scheme for Civic Hall

Nantwich councillors thumbs up to solar panel scheme for Civic Hall

Nantwich councillors look set to sign up to a new community solar panel scheme which could save them around £1,400 a year in energy costs.

The scheme, run by not-for-profit Nantwich Mill Community Energy Company (NMCEC), would involve installing solar panels across the roof the Civic Hall on Market Street.

January 17, 2023
2,800 teachers at 300 Cheshire schools to strike, says NEU

2,800 teachers at 300 Cheshire schools to strike, says NEU

Up to 2,800 teachers and school staff from 300 schools will be striking in Cheshire as part of the National Education Union’s industrial action announced today.

Teacher members of the NEU in England and Wales have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay.

January 16, 2023
Drop-in event for views on Crewe in “Mini-Holland” scheme

Drop-in event for views on Crewe in “Mini-Holland” scheme

Cheshire East Council is to host a drop-in session to outline how some urban areas of Crewe can be made more attractive as part of a “Mini-Holland” programme.

Plans include creating better routes for those walking, cycling, or using public transport.

January 16, 2023
Crewe and Nantwich wages 3.5% lower since Tories in power

Crewe and Nantwich wages 3.5% lower since Tories in power

Wages in Crewe and Nantwich have fallen by 3.5% since Conservatives came to power in 2010, claim the local Labour group.

They say analysis of ONS figures shows the wages in the constituency have fallen by an average of £1,089, resulting in a 3.5% cut.

January 16, 2023
South Cheshire nurse pens powerful poem on NHS crisis

South Cheshire nurse pens powerful poem on NHS crisis

A South Cheshire nurse has penned this powerful poem as thousands are set for more strike action to highlight the growing crisis in the NHS.

Jenny Howarth has worked as a nurse in the region for several years.

January 15, 2023
£750,000 to be spent on “public realm” in Nantwich

£750,000 to be spent on “public realm” in Nantwich

Nantwich is being given a £750,000 pot of money to spend on improving the “public realm” in the town, councillors were told.

The money comes from the Section 106 agreements between developers and the council for the Kingsley Fields housing developments.

January 13, 2023
Council chiefs to discuss Swine Market traffic after building collision

Council chiefs to discuss Swine Market traffic after building collision

Council chiefs are to meet the owners of a building in Nantwich town centre after it was hit by a lorry.

The Hope House Hospice building on High Street has suffered a number of collisions over the years as vehicles struggle to negotiate the tight bend on Swine Market.

January 13, 2023
Cheshire East funding bid for two new special needs schools

Cheshire East funding bid for two new special needs schools

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council has applied for funding to set up two new free schools for children with special educational needs.

If the bid is successful, it could create an extra 120 places for pupils in the borough with special educational needs (SEN)

January 11, 2023
Cheshire East residents need photo ID to vote in May elections

Cheshire East residents need photo ID to vote in May elections

Residents in Cheshire East will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections in May.

The requirement to show photo ID at a polling station is a new requirement, introduced under the Elections Act, which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.

January 9, 2023
Tributes paid to CEC councillor who died after holiday heart attack

Tributes paid to CEC councillor who died after holiday heart attack

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The funeral of Cheshire East councillor Steve Carter who died after a heart attack on holiday, will take place later this month.

Cllr Carter died on December 29 at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport. He was 59.

January 6, 2023